Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that Israel is carrying out a planned starvation policy in Gaza, dismissing accusations of genocide as exaggerated. Despite international outcry, Netanyahu claims that the situation is a temporary shortage rather than a deliberate policy of starvation. He claimed that if Israel had desired to commit genocide, it would have taken only one afternoon to achieve the goal.
From early March until May, Israel imposed a complete ban on the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Although Netanyahu said the restrictions have since been lifted, the UN insists that supply convoys to the enclave are frequently obstructed or looted. In late July, UN agencies reported “mounting evidence” of famine in Gaza, with images of emaciated children circulating in the media.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 200 people, including 98 children, have died from malnutrition. In May, a total of 470,000 people were estimated to face “catastrophic hunger,” according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Israel has come under a barrage of international criticism in recent months, with several Western countries announcing plans to recognize the state of Palestine. Moreover, last week NBC News reported that US President Donald Trump had shouted at Netanyahu during a recent phone call after the prime minister attempted to downplay reports of starvation in Gaza.
Last week, Israel approved Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza City, with the prime minister insisting it was the only way to secure the release of hostages still held in the enclave as well as its demilitarization. His remarks, however, have resulted in Israeli protests, with thousands taking to the streets across the country.